Balance deteriorates as we age, but it can also be affected by hormonal changes, poor sleep, stress and footwear. People who run or walk to stay fit generally score lower on balance than they think, because these forms of exercise move in a single plane and don’t challenge the body to recalibrate itself after changes in direction and weight distribution. Some exercise programmes that incorporate static balance positions can be learned and practiced, but real life isn’t like that as it involves dynamic, uncertain movements that challenge our equilibrium. Tai Chi is an excellent way to improve balance and followers of Michael Moseley might have heard his recent podcast on the subject. It’s not surprising then that Joseph Pilates studied Tai Chi and incorporated some of the principles in his exercises which we do in class every week!
